Can ZZ plants live outside is a notion of asking with the growing popularity of the Zamioculcas zamiifolia. You may want to know whether these plants can live outside and how well you should take care of them.
So continue reading; this article will take you through everything you need to know about growing ZZ outside.
Contents
Can ZZ Plants Live Outside and Grow?
Yes, ZZ plants can live outside and grow if the zone they were growing in is between 9 and 10, and the temperature range should be between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, make sure that these humidity-loving plants do not face prolonged extreme temperatures and direct sun.
ZZ plants can live outside, but only in certain conditions, so these plants are tropical, winter-hardy plants that do well in USDA zones 9 through 10. On the other hand, if they are living below the zone 8, they can live outside for a few hours as it allows them to get sunlight. However, you’ll have to bring your plants indoors when temperatures fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, if you don’t live in those zones, and you’re wondering, “can you move ZZ plant outside in summer” the answer is yes, you can take your ZZ plants. You simply need to ensure the plants don’t get direct sunlight since it can cause leaf sunburns.
– Temperature Needs
Zamioculcas zamiifolias prefer outdoor daytime temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and average nighttime temperatures. These plants also do well in humid areas but can do well without it, which is why if you live in USDA zones 9 and 10, your ZZ plants can thrive outdoors.
It’s important to note that gardeners in the US might not be able to leave their plants outside all year long. But you can plant them in containers during the warm summer months.
Growing these beautiful green plants in containers is recommended if you don’t live in the mentioned USDA zones. In short, this is a good choice, because it makes it easy to move the plants indoors when the temperatures drop.
– Indirect Sun Requirements
The best place to position ZZs outdoors is where they can get ample indirect sunlight. While most people think these plants don’t require light, the reality is that all plants require natural light for photosynthesis and optimal growth.
Grow your ZZs where they can get moderate to bright indirect sun. These plants don’t do well under direct sunlight since the leaves get burnt easily.
ZZ plant grow well in covered or shaded outdoor spaces with bright light. You only need to confirm that the sun never comes in direct contact with the plant’s leaves, or else the light will burn the leaves when it hits directly. For instance, a great spot to place your ZZ plants is under a covered porch or patio.
But if you live in USDA zones 9 through 10 and want to grow your plants in the ground, find a spot where they will get sunlight in the morning when temperatures are still warmer. If you notice these signs on your plants, consider making gradual changes.
Moving your plants indoors for a few days is not the best solution. Instead, regulate the amount of light they get during the day and move them indoors when the temperatures increase. Making gradual changes is important since these plants are quite sensitive.
– Water Frequently
Your indoor plants will do well when you water them at least once every two weeks. However, they require more water when growing outdoors since temperatures are higher, because this will help maintain their health properly. More evaporation takes place outside, meaning you should water frequently, which is why you should go ahead and try to keep the right humidity level for the moisture of the soil.
You should also water the plants more often, even indoors, especially when they are actively growing. Confirm that the soil is dry in between watering to ensure you don’t overwater the plants. ZZ plants dislike wet feet. So, dig your finger into the soil to confirm it’s dry so that you can add more water as required.
– Give Your Plants Fresh Air
Grow your plants where it gets quality fresh air in summer. Consider using containers so that you can move the plants around as you look for optimal growing conditions. If you’re moving your ZZ houseplants outdoors, ensure you avoid making drastic changes. Moving your plants outside and leaving them to sit outside all day long will only make them suffer.
So, make gradual changes where you allow the plants to sit for a few hours during the day before moving them inside. After a week or two, you can increase the time they spend outside. Be careful to monitor your plants during the transition phase.
What Are the Common Problems of ZZ Plants Living Outside?
The common problems of ZZ plants living outside are root rot, the leaves turning yellow, and stunted growth. Moreover, having light green new growth, facing drooping stems, and being exposed to root bulbs. These issues are ones you must take into notice when growing outside.
– Root Rot
At first, moving your ZZ plant varieties might hinder you from watering the plants as required. The Raven ZZ plant and other ZZ types don’t tolerate wet feet, and this means that when you overwater these plants will cause root rot. This is when the roots will be weakened because they foresee too much of the content and it will start to grow a fungal smell.
Root rot can also occur when you place the plants where it doesn’t get enough light. Ensure your plants sit in containers where they get ample indirect sunlight.
– Leaves Turning Yellow
Yellow leaves on your plants are a bad sign, which is why discoloring foliage indicates you’re providing more water than is required. This could lead to root rot, mushiness, and drooping stems.
To fix this, only water your plants when the soil dries out. On another note, this would also be due to the fact that the sunlight that is passing through the plant is direct, together with the high frequency of irrigation, so the plant is stressed and properly chlorophyll is not being produced.
– Stunted Growth
ZZ are obese that prefer bright, indirect sunlight, so when you place it outside, but the sun requirement is too direct, it will no longer grow as healthily. They are easy to grow, and stunted growth indicates that your plants need more light. Move the plants to areas where they get ample indirect light.
On the other hand, you might be dealing with ZZ plant pests if your plants are not healthy. Common pests to watch out for include scale insects, aphids, blight, mites, and more. You can go ahead and spray some neem oil, which is an organic pesticide, to fight this issue with.
– New Growth in Light Green
If your plants are doing well, and you notice light green new growth that doesn’t get darker in time, it’s a sign of nutrient deficiency. When it is healthy, the color of the foliage is not bright; they are dark instead. To fix this issue, feed your plant with diluted liquid fertilizer, and make sure that it gets filtered light reaching to it.
– Drooping Stems
Drooping ZZ stems signals to you that your plants are weak, and the right requirements aren’t being met with the condition it is growing in. This means your plants need more light to develop strong stems to support their structure.
Your plants might also have floppy stems because you’re overwatering them. This matter can make your stems soft, meaning they can’t support their own weight. Cut back on the water and only provide it when the potting soil dries. It may also be due to the lack of minerals it requires to be standing back up uagain.
– Exposed Root Bulb
An exposed root bulb is another common issue of these plants living outside. Usually, this happens when the topsoil gets washed away due to aggressive watering. The best way to water your ZZs is at the base. Avoid overhead watering to ensure the root bulbs are well-covered by the soil.
Conclusion
Now, you know that ZZ plants can live and thrive outside when provided with optimal growing conditions. Here’s a quick recap about growing these plants outside:
- ZZs do well in bright, indirect sunlight, so move the plant to outdoor spaces where it can get ample indirect light.
- Typically, ZZs can do well outside as long as they sit in spots where they are in zones 9 to 10.
- Avoid direct light as leaves can get sunburned, or the plant would start to get worse with its health.
- Ideal outdoor temperatures for these types of plants should range between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Avoid overwatering ZZs since they don’t like soggy feet; you must watch out for signs that you might be providing your plants with excess water.
Follow the ZZ plant care tips herein to ensure your plants are healthy and happy while living outside.
- Grow Mango Tree Indoors: Best Tips and Tricks For You - September 21, 2023
- Are Lilacs Deer Resistant? 10 Other Deer Resistant Plants - September 19, 2023
- 7 Plants With Red Stems To Add Color to Your Garden - September 18, 2023
